Japan

Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten: Pork Cutlet in Tokyo, Japan

Kurobuta Loin Pork Cutlet Set, Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, Tokyo, Japan

Out of all the foods I have encountered while traveling in Japan, none might be more comforting and delicious than tonkatsu, a Japanese-style pork cutlet which is breaded and deep-fried to perfection. While there are many great options in Tokyo to sample tonkatsu, none might be more famous than Maisen. Founded in 1965, Maisen now has locations across Japan and a few international locations. On my recent visit to Tokyo, I stopped by their main store, Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten. …

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Ippudo Ginza: Popular ramen chain in Tokyo, Japan

The Ippudo Karaka

It was my last night in Tokyo and I was looking for a place to eat near my Airbnb that wouldn’t break the bank. Unfortunately, I was staying in Ginza, one of the most expensive areas in all of Tokyo. Enter any restaurant in Ginza and you can easily walk out with a 20,000 ($179.91) yen bill. While wandering the area, I happened to stumble upon Ippudo Ginza, a chain of ramen restaurants with locations found all across Japan and …

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Nishiazabu Gogyo: Burnt Miso Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

A ball of fire as the burnt ramen was being prepared by the chefs, Nishiazabu Gogyo, Tokyo, Japan

The first time I heard about burnt ramen at Nishiazabu Gogyo in Tokyo, Japan, I was intrigued. I knew I wanted to try their ramen but I was skeptical. How could anything that is burnt taste good? After reading endless reviews and watching YouTube videos about Gogyo, I knew it had to be great. Gogyo is owned by Ippudo, a chain of tonkotsu ramen restaurants founded in Fukuoka, Japan. There are two Gogyo locations in Japan. One is located in …

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Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo: Spicy Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Fiery red broth

If you are looking for the spiciest ramen in Tokyo, Japan, you go to Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo. At Kikanbo, fiery bowls of ramen are prepared with both chili pepper and Sichuan pepper, giving your mouth a burning, numbing sensation. While Japan might not be known for its spicy cuisine, if you are a lover of spicy foods or spicy ramen, then Kikanbo is a must. Waiting in Line It was a Sunday afternoon in Tokyo. As I made my …

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Ichiran Shinjuku Chuo Higashiguchi: Tonkotsu Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Ichiran is one of the most famous ramen restaurants found in Japan. This popular chain of ramen restaurants specializes in tonkotsu ramen. This type of ramen, originating in Fukuoka in southern Japan, has a rich and creamy broth made from pork bones simmered for hours. When the first stall opened in Fukuoka in 1960, it was known then as Futaba Ramen. In 1966, the stall became known as Ichiran (蘭), meaning “one orchid.” In 1993, Ichiran’s first concept store opened. …

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President Trump Set at Munch's Burger Shack in Tokyo, Japan

The President Trump Set featuring a Colby Jack Cheeseburger, Munch's Burgers Shack, Tokyo, Japan

When you think of Japanese food, you might think of ramen, sushi, or tempura. So why are people waiting in line at Munch’s Burger Shack in Tokyo, Japan for over 2 hours to sample an American-style burger? Let me explain. In late 2016, President Trump kicked off his 12 day trip to Asia with a stop in Japan. On his visit to Tokyo, Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. For lunch, the pair dined on a cheeseburger from …

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Numazuko Shinjuku Honten: Conveyor Belt Sushi in Tokyo, Japan

The beautiful Soy Marinated Tuna, Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, Tokyo, Japan

Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, located just outside the east exit of Tokyo’s JR Shinjuku Station, is a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant (kaiten-zushi). While this restaurant might not be as cheap as nearby Genki Sushi or Uoebi sushi, at Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, the prices are justified by the quality of the seafood. The interior of Numazuko Shinjuku Honten was basic but bright. At the center of the restaurant, chefs dressed in white were preparing custom ordered plates of sushi. Wrapping around …

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Genki Sushi: Affordable Sushi Train in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

The famous sushi train, Genki Sushi, Tokyo, Japan

Genki Sushi, located near Shibuya Station in the heart of Center Gai, is one of my favorite affordable sushi trains in Tokyo. With multiple branches across Japan and a few international locations, Genki Sushi has become popular with both locals and visitors for its cheap sushi, numerous menu choices, and its unique and entertaining sushi train delivery system. Unfortunately, this Genki Sushi location has closed. Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, located down street, is the sister restaurant of Genki Sushi. Other than …

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Kushiwakamaru Honten: Yakitori shop in Tokyo, Japan

Chefs grilling meats over charcoal, Kushiwakamaru Honten, Tokyo, Japan

One of my favorite types of foods to eat while in Japan is yakitori. It is a staple of Japanese cuisine and found at izakayas all over the country. While the name yakitori refers to skewered chicken, it can also mean an assortment of grilled foods including vegetables, eggs, and seafood. Tokyo has its fair share of yakitori shops including some of my favorite found at Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) near Shinjuku Station. For some of the best yakitori in …

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Menya Musashi Shinjuku Honten in Tokyo, Japan

A beautiful bowl of Musashi Style Ramen, Menya Musashi, Tokyo, Japan

Any visit to Tokyo is not complete without a visit to Menya Musashi Shinjuku Honten, considered by many to be the best ramen in Tokyo, Japan. There are multiple locations across Tokyo. Their flagship store, located on a small street around the corner from Shinjuku Station, is my favorite. Since opening in 1996, Menya Musashi has won awards and gained an almost cult-like following with both ramen lovers and foodies. At any hour of the day, you can expect to …

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